SANTA BARBARA, CA, USA - ANewswire - July 26, 2026 — Santa Barbara personal injury firm Andrade Law Offices, led by trial attorney Steven R. Andrade, has secured a combined judgment exceeding $3 million on behalf of two clients severely injured in a commercial delivery vehicle collision.
The bench trial judgment was entered by the Riverside Superior Court on May 21, 2026 (Case No. CVPS2104189) against Area 29, LLC—doing business as Off the Charts, one of California’s largest cannabis retail chains—and its delivery driver, Gerardo Herrera. Area 29, LLC operates the dispensary located at 1508 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 (DCC License No. C10-0000729-LIC). Defense counsel was Quintin Shammam of the Law Offices of Quintin G. Shammam.
The Collision & Mid-Litigation Representation
On March 7, 2021, plaintiffs Crystal P. and Christopher F. were stopped in their vehicle on Palm Canyon Drive near Racquet Club Road in Palm Springs. Without warning, they were rear-ended by a delivery vehicle operated by Herrera within the course and scope of his employment with Off the Charts. The impact was catastrophic, tearing the rear end completely off the plaintiffs' vehicle and causing both occupants severe, permanent, and life-altering injuries.
Andrade Law Offices stepped in to represent the plaintiffs mid-litigation after prior counsel had already initiated the lawsuit. Taking over an active suit required counsel to quickly master a complex legal record, complete discovery, and prepare the matter for trial.
Liability Ruling & Damages Breakdown
The matter was tried without a jury before the Honorable Craig G. Riemer, Retired Judge of the Riverside Superior Court (Assigned by the Chief Justice). Judge Riemer found 100% liability on the defendants, ruling that Herrera's negligence was the sole cause of the crash, that he acted within the course and scope of his employment, and that neither plaintiff bore comparative fault. Both defendants were held jointly and severally liable.
The Court awarded principal damages as follows:
Crystal P.: $824,398.67 total principal ($124,398.67 in past/future medical expenses; $700,000.00 in non-economic pain and suffering).
Christopher F.: $1,576,861.00 total principal ($476,861.00 in past/future medical expenses; $1,100,000.00 in non-economic pain and suffering).
Prejudgment Interest & Ongoing Accrual
On October 2, 2023, plaintiffs issued statutory offers to compromise pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 998. Because the defendants rejected these offers and the final court judgment exceeded them, plaintiffs are entitled to substantial prejudgment interest and cost reimbursements under CCP § 998 and Civil Code § 3291. Interest continues to accrue on the total judgment at a rate of $657.87 per day until fully satisfied.
About Steven R. Andrade & Andrade Law Offices
Steven R. Andrade has practiced law in California for over 30 years, building a career defined by multi-million dollar trial verdicts and settlements. Andrade Law Offices represents injured victims across California in complex personal injury and wrongful death matters.
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Steven R. Andrade
Andrade Law Offices